| 16 April 2026
Healthcare services continue to face persistent workforce shortages, retention challenges, and increasing demand.
At the same time, roles are evolving as models of care change – requiring new skills and greater flexibility across the workforce.
With growing demand, workforce planning has become a critical capability – one that connects strategic priorities with day-to-day service delivery.
A shift in how workforce planning is owned
In some organisations, workforce planning is still seen as a central function. But in practice, the decisions that shape the workforce are made every day, by the people leading teams and services.
For workforce planning to be effective, managers, and those leading services need the confidence and tools to analyse their workforce, understand future demand, and make informed decisions, taking ownership of day-to-day decisions about how their workforce is planned, developed, and deployed.
Building that level of capability across an organisation is where many are now focusing their efforts.
A flexible way to build capability
That’s why we’ve introduced the Six Steps to Strategic Workforce Planning open programme.
Built on our established Six Steps Methodology to Integrated Workforce Planning®, this open format brings together participants from different organisations to build practical workforce planning capability in a structured, supported way.
Organisations can send one individual or a small group, making it easier to extend capability across teams without the need for a full in-house cohort.
What makes it different
The open format brings together participants from across different organisations, creating valuable opportunities for peer learning and shared insight into common workforce challenges.
Participants apply the Six Steps methodology step by step to develop a workforce plan tailored to their own organisation.
Throughout the programme, they build the confidence and capability to take workforce planning forward in their own context.
The programme is also CPD certified for 14 points/hours and accredited by iCQ Awards, providing recognised professional development for participants.
Now open for booking
Our first open programme cohort is now available. Taking place 2:00–4:00pm on 19 May, 21 May, 3 June, 9 June and 24 June.
Places are limited to maintain a high-quality, interactive learning experience, and demand is expected to be high.
- £1,595 + VAT per participant
- 10% discount for 3–5 participants
- 20% discount for 6+ participants
Additional dates will be released shortly.
If you’re looking to build workforce planning capability across your organisation, this programme provides a practical and flexible way to get started.
Register now to secure your place